不失为【bùshīwéi】

may be considered, can still count as, is after all, not a bad, acceptable, bushiwei

Rates something as a fair choice, "can be considered", before a noun phrase. It praises with some reserve: 。 is "this is still a good way to do it".

HSK 5

AI-generated

Structure

[subject] + 不失为 + 一 + [measure word] + [adjective] + [noun]

Description

不失为 says something can fairly be called a good option, even if it isn't the best or the obvious one. It goes before a noun phrase, usually 一个 + adjective + noun. The register is written or careful speech, and 为 is read wéi.

。

This is still a good way to go about it.

。

Going by train is one option worth considering.

The word carries a concession: the speaker grants the point, often after a doubt or a drawback has come up.

，。

It's a bit slow, but it's still a safe way to do it.

是 or 不失为

是 states the judgement outright. 不失为 grants it with some reserve – "fair enough, it counts".

。

This is a good method.

。

This is a reasonable method, all things considered.

Mistakes

不失为 needs a noun phrase after it. An adjective on its own, or a negative judgement, doesn't fit.

× 这个办法不失为好 → 这个办法不失为一个好办法
× 这不失为一个坏主意 → 这不是一个好主意

Examples

。

This is still a good way to go about it.

。

Going by train is one option worth considering.

，。

It's a bit slow, but it's still a safe way to do it.

，。

Writing the problem down first is a good habit to have.

，。

For beginners, this book makes a decent textbook.

，。

A walk in the countryside at the weekend is a good way to relax.

，。

His suggestion is simple, but it does solve the problem.

。

Cooking at home is a sensible way to save money.

。

This film is worth seeing, all things considered.

，。

Revising with classmates is an effective way to study.

，。

Looking at the problem from another angle is a wise move.

，。

The little restaurant doesn't have many dishes, but it's a good place to eat.

不外乎

不是不 / 没有…不 / 不能不